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February 06, 2009

quilted patchwork belt tutorial

Goodness, almost 2 years ago (that seems crazy but true) I made a couple patchwork belts. Ever since then I have been meaning to write up a tutorial, but never got around to it until now. Total procrastination at its best. Better late then never I guess.

Grab your scraps, charms and fat quarters and lets get started.

Supplies:

Set of d-rings

Quilt batting like Warm and Natural cotton batting or any other light batting – just stay away from high loft polyester batting

Time to Measure:Measure your favorite, best fitting belt to get an idea of how long your finished belt should be. If you have a ribbon belt, measure it, it will give you a perfect measurement to follow. If you are measuring a notched belt and wear it on the 1st or 2nd notches (the ones closest to the end), add a few inches to the length to make sure the belt is long enough. Once you have your measurement, add 3 inches to the length to account for seam allowances and attaching the d-rings.

For reference, I have a 31-32 inch waist, wear a large belt and a 10-12 pant. My patchwork strip was 46 inches.

Top stitch to one side of the patchwork seams for added detail or just stitch in the ditch to attach batting to the long patchwork strip.

Sew Front and Back Together:

Pin right side of long patchwork strip to right side of backing.

Sew along the top edge with a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Sew a 1/2 inch seam allowance along the small edge where the front and back patchwork meet.

Sew a 1/2 inch seam allowance along the bottom edge along the patchwork on the backing.

See diagram below for guidance.

Trim the corners on the closed end and turn right side out.

Grab your pins, ruler and go to your ironing board. Iron a 1/2 inch seam allowance toward the wrong side on both open edges.

Fold together and pin.

Sew Together and Add Detail

Top stitch along the pinned edge as close as you can, about 1/4 inches or less.

Turn and top stitch the other edge.

Turn again and stitch a 1/2 inch to 5/8 away from the edge. Turn again and stitch a 1/2 inch to 5/8 away from the edge.

You should have four lines of stitching running the length of your belt.

Attach D-Rings

On the unfinished edge, about 3/4 inches in from the edge sew a close zig zag from top to bottom. Trim close.

Fold 1 1/2 inches of the end over d-ring and straight stitch from top to bottom about 1 inch from end. Stitch again to reinforce.

Yay! We are done – now you have a lovely new quilted patchwork belt.

Hope the instructions and photos are clear enough – if you have questions, please let me know so I can update the tutorial to clarify for everyone. And if you make one, please send me a link so I can see your creations.

I really love vintage designs, it's really striking and unique.
At start, they all look at you, first some thinking to themselves "what's going on with him?" But then the flattering starts :)
Belt is the one of the most important accessories to invest in while choosing the right clothing..
Great post!